Bute House Agreement Explained

The Bute House Agreement, officially the Cooperation Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group was a power-sharing agreement between the Scottish National Party (SNP) government and the Scottish Greens which was agreed in August 2021 to support the Third Sturgeon government and then was reaffirmed to support the First Yousaf government.

The Agreement detailed the way in which the Scottish Government and the Green Group in Parliament worked together, the appointment of Green ministers, excluded policy areas from the Agreement, confidence and supply and dispute resolution.[1] The agreement was accompanied by a shared policy programme, which sets out in detail where the two decided to collaborate.[2]

On 31 August 2021, the SNP and Greens entered a power-sharing arrangement which resulted in the appointment of two Green MSPs as junior ministers in the government, delivery of a shared policy platform, and Green support for the government on votes of confidence and supply.[3] [4] There was no agreement on oil and gas exploration, but the government now argued that it had a stronger case for a national independence referendum.[5]

The agreement was a key part of the 2023 SNP leadership election, with candidates Kate Forbes and Ash Regan critical of it, while Humza Yousaf was supportive.[6] Following Yousaf's victory, he initially maintained the agreement during his first ministry. On 25 April 2024, following a meeting at Bute House, it was decided by First Minister Yousaf that the power sharing agreement would come to an end with immediate effect.[7] The resulting government crisis led to Yousaf's resignation.

Background

Previous SNP-Green collaboration

Following the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP won the largest amount of seats but fell short of an overall majority. As a result of this, then SNP leader Alex Salmond sought to form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats. When those talks failed, the SNP chose to form a one-party minority government. The Greens signed an agreement where the Greens supported SNP ministerial appointments, but did not offer support for any confidence or budget votes ("confidence and supply").[8] [9] The draft agreement was unanimously endorsed by the SNP's national executive committee.[10]

Following the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP had once again formed a minority administration. The Greens supported the SNP in a confidence and supply arrangement which saw them backing budgets by the party and voting with the party on other such votes as the motions of no confidence in First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney which both failed to pass in 2021 as a result of their backing.

During the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, co-leader of the Greens Patrick Harvie indicated that the Greens were "willing to have conversation" with the largest party about entering government.[11]

Agreement reached

On 20 August 2021, following two months of negotiations, the SNP and the Greens announced a new power-sharing agreement.[12] [13] [14] While not an official coalition, for the first time in Scottish and UK history it offered the Greens two ministerial posts.[15] [16] [17]

The Greens required both the majority of its members and a two-thirds majority of its party council to approve of the agreement in a vote before it could be enacted, both of which were achieved.[18] [19] [20]

The agreement is based on the co-operation agreement between the Labour Party and the Green Party in New Zealand, reached in November 2020.[21]

Initial reception

Academic Professor Nicola McEwen suggested that the agreement "sometimes pushes [the SNP] further" particularly on climate, social and fair work policy.[22] She also argues that the two parties had already converged on many issues over the preceding decade. Some commentators on the left praised the agreement for its commitments to railway decarbonisation, rent controls and a just transition fund for the North East of Scotland.[23] Outside the parties, some commentators thought the agreement was too radical and argued that the Greens are "dangerous, extremist influence on [the] government" and it was condemned by the Conservatives and Labour[24] [25] [26]

Announcing the deal, the Green co-leader said that he hoped that party members would see it as an 'extraordinary opportunity' for the party.[27] Former co-convenor Robin Harper called the agreement "disappointing".[28] Inside the party, other critics included Edinburgh councillor Chas Booth who felt the agreement did not do enough for local services, while Adam Ramsay, writing in openDemocracy worried the agreement " few... ideas [that] mean picking real fights with people with much power [29] [30] However other members welcomed the chance to influence government policy.

Agreement

While not an official coalition, the parties produced a shared policy programme which only excludes six policy areas.[31] [32] This has led to some opposition parties labelling it as a coalition despite not formally being so.[33]

As part of the agreement, the two Green co-leaders were appointed to ministerial posts.[34] Green MSP Ross Greer is also understood to have an important role in maintaining relations with the Scottish Government and the Green group, and therefore meets with the Deputy First Minister of Scotland fortnightly.[35]

Cooperation agreement

The cooperation agreement details how the Scottish Government and Green group will work together on matters where both agree. It commits the Government to consulting the Green group in developing legislation which in turn the Green group commit to supporting, bar excluded matters.[36] The parties also agree to a 'no surprises' approach to parliamentary business, meaning they will talk to one another about what they do in the Scottish Parliament, and provides for the appointment of two Green MSPs as ministers.[37]

It also details oversight, and establishes that:

The agreement details a dispute resolution process to resolve any concerns which arise.[38] Should the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Co-leaders of the Scottish Greens not be able to come to an agreement, the matter may be added to the excluded matters list.

Policy programme

The parties agreed a common policy programme, which was reaffirmed under the Yousaf government in its policy prospectus.[39] It covers several topics, including: climate change, economic recovery, child poverty, the environment, energy and the constitution.

Scottish independence

See main article: Scottish independence.

The agreement contains a commitment to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence before 2026, and if possible by the end of 2023.[40] The Alba Party criticised the agreement for a lack of urgency.[41]

Other issues

The agreement will see both parties pledge for an increase investment in active travel and public transport, enhancing tenants' rights, a ten-year £500m Just Transition and establishing a National Care Service.[42] [43]

Housing-related measures in the agreement include the creation of a new housing regulator, greater restrictions on winter evictions and a commitment to implementing a system of rent controls by the end of 2025.[44] Harvie credited tenants' union Living Rent with having "created the political space" for the rent control proposals.[45]

Excluded matters

Six matters are excluded from the Bute House Agreement, meaning the Greens are free to vote against the Scottish Government on these matters, and the Government is free to seek votes from other parties on these issues. These matters (except where mentioned in the agreement) include:[46]

This was illustrated in practice when the Greens opposed the Scottish Government on the establishment of freeports in Scotland, where the party's MSP Ross Greer voted against it in Committee.[47] [48] [49]

Aftermath

Implementation

Several key parts of the agreement have been implemented. Soon after the Green ministers took office, Patrick Harvie launched the Heat in Buildings strategy as well as introducing and passing the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 to aid renters.[50] [51] There was also legislation passed to reduced fox hunting and reform gender recognition, although the latter was vetoed by the UK government.[52] [53] [54] Both years budgets were supported by both parties with little dissent internally and Humza Yousaf's nomination as First Minister was passed with both parties support.[55] [56] [57] [58]

However, the agreement's policies most associated with the Greens faced significant challenges.[59] Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme, which was spearheaded by co-leader and circularity minister Lorna Slater, was delayed until at least 2025 as a result of the UK Government blocking the inclusion of glass bottles in the scheme.[60] [61] A commitment to protect 10% of Scotland's seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas was also dropped, and there was disagreement between the SNP and the Greens over a pledge from Humza Yousaf of a council tax freeze.[62] [63] [64]

Despite this, both critics and supporters of the Greens role in government agree that the agreement has allowed the party to have a lot of influence on the Scottish government.[65] [66]

2023 SNP leadership election

See main article: 2023 Scottish National Party leadership election. On 15 February 2023, Sturgeon resigned from the role of SNP leader and First Minister, this triggered a leadership election. A key issue in the following leadership campaign became around the continuation of the power-sharing agreement with the Greens, with Humza Yousaf backing it, but Kate Forbes and Ash Regan criticising it. Forbes and Regan both suggested they would not be "afraid" of governing without the Greens.[67] [68]

At the party's spring conference, Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater declared that while they had "so much more to deliver" in government, they would not do so at "any cost".[69] [70] [71] The party further stated that it would not endorse a SNP leader who did not follow "progressive values". These comments were widely interpreted as meaning that the Greens would not support a government led by Forbes or Regan.[72] [73] This speculation was later confirmed by Harvie, stating that due to Forbes positions "[the power-sharing agreement] would need to be ended".[74]

After the election of Humza Yousaf as Leader of the Scottish National Party, the Scottish Green Party National Council unanimously voted to direct its MSPs to vote for Yousaf to become First Minister and continue their power-sharing agreement.[75] [76] The party's co-leaders continued to serve as ministers in the Yousaf government.

Dissent over continuation

After the SNP leadership election, Forbes and Regan continued to advocate for the end of the Bute House Agreement.[77] [78] In April 2022, it was reported that 15 SNP MSPs who backed Forbes' leadership campaign are planning to challenge key Bute House Agreement policies.[79] Former SNP Minister Fergus Ewing criticised the agreement's policies advocated from the Greens like deposit return scheme, dismissing the party as "a small group of fringe extremists".[80]

In October 2023, co-leader of the Greens, Patrick Harvie, commented that the critics of the Bute House Agreement in the SNP needed to reflect on the "toxicity" of the experience of minority government, and consider if they wished to return to it.[74] Following the announcement by Màiri McAllan that Scotland would not see a 75% percent reduction in emissions by 2030 an extraordinary general meeting was called by Scottish Green Party members to discuss the future of the agreement.[81]

Termination

On 25 April 2024, following a meeting at Bute House, First Minister Humza Yousaf stated his intention to terminate the agreement with immediate effect. He hosted a press conference at Bute House where he stated that the agreement had served its purpose and it was decided that the power sharing agreement would come to an end.[82] Several pro-independence figures including SNP MSP Fergus Ewing and Alba Party MSP Ash Regan, welcomed the end of the Bute House Agreement, and "the return to competent government". During an Edinburgh Fringe event, Humza Yousaf admitted he "fucked up" in how he ended the agreement, saying he did so in a miscalculation as "the Greens rely so heavily on the SNP for the list vote".[83]

Cass Review

Differing responses to the Cass Review have been cited as a factor in the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement.[84] [85] [86] Harvie had said "I've seen far too many criticisms of it to be able to say that [the Cass Review is a valid scientific document]" and that the review had been "politicised and weaponised" against trans people.[87] [88] These comments led to tension with and widespread criticism from members of the SNP.[89] [90] [91] Yousaf, conversely, largely accepted the review, saying that Scottish health boards and the Scottish government would consider its findings carefully and that medical decisions should be made by medical professionals rather than by politicians.[92] [93] [94] Harvie's comments also led to a no-confidence vote in him from Ash Regan MSP.[95] [96] [97] However, Yousaf has said that while Harvie's response to the Review did "upset a lot of people" in the SNP, it was "not necessarily" a factor in the ending the Bute House Agreement.[98] [99] [100]

Discussion at First Minister's Questions

The topic of the termination of the Bute House Agreement was the key subject at the First Minister's Questions session held that day with Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton welcomed the termination but strongly criticised and questioned Yousaf's ability as First Minister following the termination of the agreement. Following First Minister's Questions, the Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater held a press conference where in which they stated that the decision from the SNP government to terminate the Bute House Agreement was "an act of political cowardice" and "sold out for future generations" before accusing the SNP leadership of appeasing the right-wing section of the party.[101]

No confidence motions

See main article: article and 2024 Scottish government crisis. Douglas Ross announced to the Scottish Parliament that he had lodged a motion of no confidence in Yousaf as First Minister following the termination of the agreement, having stated that the Greens should have had no place in government. It was later announced that Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens would back the motion brought forward.[102] The earliest a vote could have been held is 1 May 2024.[103]

On 26 April, Yousaf postponed a scheduled speech at the University of Strathclyde on labour strategy in an independent Scotland.[104] The same day he refused to resign as First Minister.[105] On 27 April, Yousaf claimed that a snap Scottish Parliament election was a possibility.[106]

The following day, Alex Salmond said that his Alba Party was "prepared to assist" Humza Yousaf in the no confidence vote.[107] His demand was a renewed Scottish independence plan.[108] He appeared on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and said that the SNP should return to the "people's priorities" of education, jobs and industry;[109] Salmond had first appointed Yousaf to government in 2012, becoming minister for Europe and International Development in the second Salmond government.[110] Yousaf was reported to have ruled out any electoral pact with Alba,[111] however the chair of Alba, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, said that an "electoral pact" was not part of negotiations.[112]

Alex Cole-Hamilton ruled out Yousaf's offer of talks at Bute House.[113]

On 29 April, it was speculated that Yousaf planned to step down the next day, fearing that he could not survive the no confidence vote against him. The next day, Yousaf announced he would resign as both leader of the SNP and First Minister once his successor has been chosen.[114] In his resignation speech, Yousaf reinforced that he believed the vote of no confidence could have resulted in his favour, however he choose to resign instead as he was "not willing to trade [his] values and principles, or do deals with whomever, simply for retaining power".[115]

On 30 April, officials at Holyrood announced that Labour's motion of no confidence would be voted on by MSPs the next day. The motion would require the entire Scottish Government to resign if it were to be passed.[116] The Greens called for the motion to be withdrawn.[117] The no confidence motion in the government was defeated by 70 votes to 56, after the Greens voted against. All Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Alba MSPs voted to support to motion.[118]

John Swinney was elected as the new Scottish National Party leader unopposed on 6 May.[119] He was nominated as First Minister of Scotland by the Scottish Parliament on 7 May,[120] a day ahead of officially being appointed by the monarch, Charles III, and sworn in at the Court of Session.[121]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cooperation Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group . 2024-01-04 . www.gov.scot . en.
  2. Web site: Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party - Shared Policy Programme . 2024-01-04 . www.gov.scot . en.
  3. News: SNP and Greens agree new power-sharing deal. 19 August 2021. BBC News. 19 August 2021. en.
  4. Web site: DRAFT COOPERATION AGREEMENT between THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT and THE SCOTTISH GREEN PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP. gov.scot. 20 August 2021. https://archive.today/20210822040512/https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/agreement/2021/07/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-co-operation-agreement/documents/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-parliamentary-group-draft-cooperation-agreement/scottish-government-and-scottish-green-party-parliamentary-group-draft-cooperation-agreement/govscot:document/SG%2BSGP%2B-%2BDraft%2BCooperation%2BAgreement%2B-%2BFINAL%2B-%2BOFFSEN.pdf. 22 August 2021.
  5. News: 20 August 2021. SNP and Scottish Greens confirm power-sharing deal in historic moment for Greens. Brooks. Libby. 21 August 2021. The Guardian. en.
  6. News: Brooks . Libby . 2023-03-25 . Greens indicate deal will end if new SNP leader rejects 'progressive values' . en-GB . The Guardian . 2024-01-03 . 0261-3077.
  7. Web site: 2024-04-25 . SNP breaks off power-share agreement with Scottish Greens . Web site: 2024-04-19 . Scottish Greens to vote on SNP power-sharing agreement after climate target ditched . 2024-04-20 . BBC News . en-GB.
  8. News: 2007-05-11 . SNP and Greens sign working deal . en-GB . 2023-03-03.
  9. News: 20 August 2021 . As it happened: SNP and Greens detail power-sharing deal . . 25 August 2021.
  10. News: 21 August 2021. SNP ruling body endorses deal with Greens. BBC News. 25 August 2021. 22 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210822122922/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-58293047. live.
  11. News: Brooks . Libby . 2021-04-14 . Scottish Greens 'willing to have conversation' on coalition with SNP . en-GB . The Guardian . 2024-01-03 . 0261-3077.
  12. News: 20 August 2021. SNP-Greens deal pledges indyref2 within five years. en-GB. BBC News. 20 August 2021.
  13. Web site: Davidson. Peter. 20 August 2021. SNP and Greens negotiate deal to form power-sharing government at Holyrood. 20 August 2021. Daily Record. en.
  14. Web site: Stephen . Phyllis . 2021-08-28 . SNP and Greens strike a deal . 2024-01-01 . The Edinburgh Reporter . en-US.
  15. Web site: 15 August 2021 . Co-operation deal between SNP and Greens to be revealed this week . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210820152447/https://www.thenational.scot/news/19514400.holyrood-deal-snp-greens-detailed-week/ . 20 August 2021 . 2021-08-20 . The National . en.
  16. Web site: Scotland: SNP and Scottish Greens' power-sharing agreement is 'groundbreaking', Nicola Sturgeon says . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210820190959/http://news.sky.com/story/sctland-snp-and-scottish-greens-power-sharing-agreement-is-groundbreaking-nicola-sturgeon-says-12386058 . 20 August 2021 . 2021-08-20 . Sky News . en.
  17. Web site: 2021-08-20 . Scottish Greens enter government as deal done with SNP . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210820152447/https://news.stv.tv/politics/scottish-greens-enter-government-as-deal-done-with-snp . 20 August 2021 . 2021-08-20 . STV News . en-GB.
  18. News: O'Toole . Emer . 28 August 2021 . Scottish Green Party members vote to back SNP co-operation deal . The National . 5 January 2022.
  19. News: 28 August 2021 . Scottish Green membership backs power-sharing deal with SNP . The Guardian . PA Media . 5 January 2022.
  20. Web site: Scottish Green Party members approve "historic" co-op deal . 28 August 2021 . Scottish Greens . 5 January 2022.
  21. News: 21 August 2021. SNP-Greens deal pledges indyref2 within five years. BBC News. 25 August 2021. 24 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210824175752/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58272209. live.
  22. Web site: McEwen . Professor Nicola . 2021-09-02 . Scotland's Green Party and National Party: a new agreement . 2023-12-30 . UK in a changing Europe . en-GB.
  23. Web site: Rooney . Stella . 14 March 2022 . A marriage not made in heaven: marking the SNP-Green coalition scorecard – Scottish Left Review . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220316092122/https://scottishleftreview.scot/marking-the-snp-scottish-greens-coalition-scorecard/ . 16 March 2022 . 2023-12-31 . Scottish Left Review . en-US.
  24. News: Scothorne . Rory . 2021-08-19 . What will an SNP-Green deal mean for the future of Scottish politics? . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-12-30 . 0261-3077.
  25. News: Brooks . Libby . correspondent . Libby Brooks Scotland . 2021-08-20 . SNP and Scottish Greens confirm power-sharing deal in historic moment for Greens . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-12-30 . 0261-3077.
  26. News: Johnson . Simon . 2021-08-24 . Nicola Sturgeon's deal with Scottish Greens a 'political wasps' nest', says ex-SNP deputy leader . en-GB . The Telegraph . 2023-12-30 . 0307-1235.
  27. Web site: 2021-08-20 . As it happened: SNP and Greens detail power-sharing deal . 2024-01-03 . BBC News . 'Extraordinary opportunity' for the Greens . en-gb.
  28. News: Carrell . Severin . Brooks . Libby . 2021-08-26 . Former Scottish Greens leader criticises 'disappointing' agreement with SNP . en-GB . The Guardian . 2024-01-03 . 0261-3077.
  29. News: 2021-08-27 . Scottish Greens back historic government deal . en-GB . BBC News . 2024-01-03.
  30. News: Ramsay . Adam . 23 August 2021 . Opinion: Scottish Green members hold unprecedented power. How will they use it? . . 30 December 2023.
  31. News: Duffy . Judith . 20 August 2021 . Co-operation deal between SNP and Greens to be revealed this week . en . . 20 August 2021.
  32. Web site: Morris . Sophie . 20 August 2021 . Scotland: SNP and Scottish Greens' power-sharing agreement is 'groundbreaking', Nicola Sturgeon says . 20 August 2021 . Sky News . en.
  33. Web site: 2021-08-20 . Tories brand SNP-Greens deal a 'coalition of chaos' . 2024-01-03 . STV News . en-GB.
  34. Web site: 20 August 2021. Scottish Greens enter government as deal done with SNP. 20 August 2021. McKenzie. Lewis. STV News. en-GB.
  35. Web site: 2023-12-30 . Slater claims Forbes is 'building a particular faction' for SNP to rip up Greens deal . 2024-01-04 . The Herald . en.
  36. Web site: Gilman . Laura . McKay . Sarah . 29 September 2021 . Scottish Government-Green Cooperation Agreement and other forms of political agreement . 4 January 2024 . Scottish Parliament Information Centre . SB 21-66.
  37. Web site: 2021-11-03 . Shared oversight of this agreement . 2024-01-04 . www.gov.scot . en.
  38. Web site: 2021-11-03 . Raising and resolving concerns . 2024-01-04 . www.gov.scot . en.
  39. Web site: 2023-04-25 . Politics: First Minister's new policy prospectus will deliver for Scotland . 2024-01-03 . Grampian Online . en.
  40. News: Nutt. Kathleen. 20 August 2021. Indyref2 listed as first priority in SNP-Scottish Greens co-operation deal. The National. limited. 25 August 2021. 2057-231X. 24 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210824144559/https://www.thenational.scot/news/19527559.indyref2-listed-first-priority-snp-scottish-greens-co-operation-deal/. live.
  41. News: Nutt. Kathleen. 20 August 2021. Alba say SNP deal with Greens kicks independence into the long grass. The National. limited. 25 August 2021. 2057-231X. 24 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210824144639/https://www.thenational.scot/news/19527898.alba-say-snp-deal-greens-kicks-independence-long-grass/. live.
  42. Web site: What does the SNP-Green deal mean for Scotland?. 20 August 2021. 20 August 2021. Parsons. Sophie. Largs and Millport Weekly News. en.
  43. Web site: Working Together to Build A Greener, Fairer, Independent Scotland. 20 August 2021. 20 August 2021. Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party.
  44. News: Tenants' voices 'at the heart' of Scottish Government's rent control planning. Young. Gregor. 3 September 2021. The National. 12 October 2021.
  45. News: We've negotiated rent controls for Scotland in our SNP deal – it could make renting and buying fairer. Harvie. Patrick. 25 August 2021. 11 October 2021. i.
  46. Web site: Aitchison . Jack . 2021-08-20 . The six issues excluded from 'groundbreaking' SNP-Greens deal and why . live . https://archive.today/20230809133456/https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19527685.snp-greens-deal-six-issues-excluded-bute-house-agreement/ . 9 August 2023 . 2024-01-03 . The Herald . en.
  47. Web site: 2023-09-12 . Greens attack Scottish freeports plan as 'repeat of trickle-down economics' . 2024-01-03 . The National . en.
  48. Web site: Freeports are mini tax havens, they should have no place in Scotland . 2024-01-03 . Scottish Greens . en.
  49. Web site: Leadmouth . Andrew . 2023-01-13 . 'Nothing green about so-called green freeports,' say Scottish Greens . 2024-01-03 . The Herald . en.
  50. News: 2021-10-07 . Homeowners to help pay £33bn to decarbonise heating . en-GB . BBC News . 2024-01-03.
  51. Web site: 2023-01-20 . Landlords challenge Scottish rent control legislation . 2024-01-03 . Holyrood Website . en.
  52. News: Katharine . Hay . 5 October 2023 . Animal welfare concerns, licence confusion and hounds being put down 'inevitable' with new Hunting with Dogs Scotland Act . . live . 2 January 2024 . https://archive.today/20231006083001/https://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/animal-welfare-concerns-licence-confusion-and-hounds-being-put-down-inevitable-with-new-hunting-with-dogs-scotland-act-4360158#selection-685.11-685.21 . 6 October 2023.
  53. Web site: 2022-12-22 . Scotland passes controversial gender-recognition reforms . 2024-01-03 . POLITICO . en.
  54. News: 2023-12-08 . Court says Scottish gender reform block is legal . en-GB . BBC News . 2024-01-03.
  55. Web site: 2023-12-20 . Analysis: How much more humiliation can the Scottish Greens take? . 2024-01-03 . The Herald . en.
  56. Web site: Greenest budget in history makes a stand for people and for planet . 2024-01-03 . Scottish Greens . en.
  57. News: MacMahon . Peter . 31 October 2023 . Patrick Harvie suggests Scottish Greens will back SNP budget at party conference . . 3 January 2023.
  58. News: 2023-03-28 . New SNP leader Humza Yousaf voted in as Scotland's first minister . en-GB . The Guardian . . 2024-01-03 . 0261-3077.
  59. Web site: 2023-12-29 . Scottish Greens: A year of coalition friction and binned policies . 2023-12-30 . The Herald . en.
  60. News: 2023-02-13 . Why has Scotland's deposit return scheme been delayed? . en-GB . BBC News . 2023-12-30.
  61. Web site: Stephen . Phyllis . 2023-06-07 . Greens say the UK government has "ripped up" devolution settlement . 2024-01-01 . The Edinburgh Reporter . en-US.
  62. Web site: Harper . Rachael . 2023-11-14 . Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas plans scrapped . 2023-12-30 . Fishing News.
  63. Web site: 2023-10-29 . Scottish Greens: Council tax freeze broke Bute House Agreement . 2024-01-03 . The National . en.
  64. Web site: 2023-10-27 . Slater: SNP's lack of council tax freeze consultation 'frustrating' . 2024-01-03 . STV News . en-GB . PA Media.
  65. Web site: Anderson . Blair . 2023-07-17 . Four steps we can take to grow the Scottish Green Party's success . 2023-12-30 . Bright Green . en-GB.
  66. Web site: Maciver . Andy . 2023-07-31 . How did the Scottish Greens end up with so much influence? . 2023-12-30 . The Spectator . en-US.
  67. News: Johnson . Simon . 2023-03-26 . Kate Forbes: I'm not afraid to govern Scotland without the Greens . en-GB . The Telegraph . 2023-03-27 . 0307-1235.
  68. Web site: Ash Regan would 'lead minority SNP government' if Greens left Bute House deal . 2023-03-27 . The National . 24 February 2023 . en.
  69. Web site: Slater . Lorna . 25 March 2023 . Lorna Slater spring conference speech 2023 . 2023-12-30 . Scottish Greens . en.
  70. Web site: Harvie . Patrick . 25 March 2023 . Patrick Harvie spring conference speech 2023 . 2023-12-30 . Scottish Greens . en.
  71. News: 2023-03-25 . Greens: New FM must have 'progressive values' . en-GB . BBC News . 2024-01-02.
  72. News: Brooks . Libby . correspondent . Libby Brooks Scotland . 2023-03-25 . Greens indicate deal will end if new SNP leader rejects 'progressive values' . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-12-30 . 0261-3077.
  73. News: Sim . Philip . 2023-03-24 . Will the Greens want to stay in government with the SNP? . en-GB . BBC News . 2024-01-02.
  74. Web site: 2023-10-15 . Patrick Harvie on Kate Forbes, SNP chaos, Israel, trans rights and achieving net zero . 2023-12-30 . The Herald . en.
  75. Web site: 2023-03-27 . Scottish Greens unanimously back Humza Yousaf for first minister . 2023-12-30 . Holyrood Website . en.
  76. Web site: Stephen . Phyllis . 2023-03-27 . Greens Council vote to support the Bute House Agreement . 2024-01-01 . The Edinburgh Reporter . en-US.
  77. Web site: 2023-12-06 . SNP must end governing deal with Scottish Greens, says Kate Forbes . 2024-01-03 . The National . en.
  78. Web site: Cowley . Jason . 2023-12-06 . Kate Forbes: The SNP must repeal power-sharing deal with the Greens . 2024-01-03 . New Statesman . en-US.
  79. Web site: 2023-04-02 . Revealed: 15 rebel SNP MSPs prepared to challenge Humza Yousaf's government . 2024-01-03 . The Herald . en.
  80. Web site: Media . P. A. . 2023-04-01 . Ex-minister hits out at Greens and calls for end to powersharing deal . 2024-01-03 . STV News . en-GB.
  81. Web site: Scottish government ditches flagship climate change target as it accepts it is 'out of reach' . 2024-04-18 . 2024-05-01 . Sky News . Mitchell . Jenness.
  82. Web site: 2024-04-25 . SNP breaks off power-share agreement with Scottish Greens . Web site: 2024-04-19 . Scottish Greens to vote on SNP power-sharing agreement after climate target ditched . 2024-04-20 . BBC News . en-GB.
  83. Web site: Media . P. A. . 2024-08-08 . ‘I f****d up’ by sacking Greens which led to my resignation, admits Yousaf . 2024-08-18 . STV News . en-GB.
  84. Web site: Williams . Craig . Scottish Greens will vote to oust first minister . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240505131451/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68901088 . 5 May 2024 . en . 25 April 2024 . And there was further disquiet from the Greens after Scotland's NHS said it was pausing prescribing puberty blockers to under-18s referred by the country's only specialist clinic, following the publication of the Cass Review. Mr Harvie said there was "distress" in the party over the move and that young trans people may now "not get access to the treatment they need". . live.
  85. Web site: Brawn . Steph . Alex Salmond blames BBC interview for causing 'crisis' in Scottish politics . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240428103807/https://www.thenational.scot/news/24283708.alex-salmond-claims-bbc-interview-caused-scottish-politics-crisis/ . 2024-04-28 . en . 28 April 2024 . live.
  86. Web site: SNP to form minority government if Greens scrap power-sharing deal . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240505131900/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4n1458z6n8o . 5 May 2024 . en . 20 April 2024 . Some Greens are also unhappy about NHS Scotland’s decision to pause the prescription of puberty blockers following a landmark review of gender services in England by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass. After the NHS Scotland announcement the party’s LGBT wing, the Rainbow Greens, started a petition questioning the future of the deal with the SNP. The group’s co-convener, Jen Bell, said the move had broken a promise in the Bute House agreement to “put trans patients at the heart of decisions on their own healthcare.” . live.
  87. Web site: Andrews . Kieran . Patrick Harvie will not accept Cass review on gender identity . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240422165732/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/patrick-harvie-scottish-green-party-cass-review-gender-identity-5tm3hcznk . 22 April 2024 . en . 5 May 2024 . live.
  88. Web site: Green co-leader will quit if party ends power-sharing deal . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240505135512/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqvn3jnj1z5o . 5 May 2024 . en . 23 April 2024 . live.
  89. Web site: Bol . David . Bute House Agreement: SNP figures pressure Humza Yousaf to rethink Bute House deal with Greens . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240423084643/https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/bute-house-agreement-snp-figures-pressure-humza-yousaf-to-rethink-bute-house-deal-with-greens-4600847 . 23 April 2024 . en . 23 Apr 2024 . live.
  90. Web site: Lyst . Catherine . Patrick Harvie does not know if Greens will stay in government . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240505131113/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-68869020 . 5 May 2024 . en . 21 April 2024 . live.
  91. Web site: Deerin . Chris . Humza Yousaf has turned on the Scottish Greens too late . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240425105427/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/scotland/2024/04/humza-yousaf-has-turned-on-the-scottish-greens-too-late . 25 April 2024 . en . 25 April 2024 . Last weekend, Patrick Harvie refused to accept the findings of the Cass review into gender identity services for children, insisting that it had been “politicised and weaponised” against trans people. There was deep concern among senior Nats about the impact the deal was having on the SNP’s electoral prospects and the sense that the government’s priorities are woefully out of touch with middle Scotland. . live.
  92. Web site: Brooks . Libby . No case for closing Scotland's only NHS gender services clinic, says first minister . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240417141405/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/16/no-case-to-close-scotlands-only-nhs-gender-services-clinic-says-first-minister-humza-yousaf . 17 April 2024 . en . 16 April 2024 . live.
  93. Web site: Paton . Craig . Scottish Government pledges to consider findings of Cass Review into gender . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240417141127/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/scottish-government-government-nhs-england-snp-scottish-b2526273.html . 2024-04-17 . en . 10 April 2024 . live.
  94. Web site: Walker . James . Humza Yousaf responds to calls for children's puberty blocker ban in Scotland . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240418105940/https://www.thenational.scot/news/24255848.humza-yousaf-responds-calls-puberty-blocker-ban-scotland/ . 2024-04-18 . en . 16 April 2024 . live.
  95. Web site: Paton . Craig . Alba submits confidence motion in Harvie following Cass Review response . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240505134229/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/patrick-harvie-snp-msps-scottish-holyrood-b2533108.html . 5 May 2024 . en . 23 April 2024 . live.
  96. Web site: Alba MSP Ash Regan launches motion of no confidence in Green minister Patrick Harvie over Cass review . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240423084907/https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/alba-msp-ash-regan-launches-motion-of-no-confidence-in-green-minister-patrick-harvie-over-cass-review-4601158 . 23 April 2024 . en . 23 April 2024 . live.
  97. Web site: Robertson . Adam . Alba Party lodge motion of no confidence in Patrick Harvie . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240423075402/https://www.thenational.scot/news/24271468.alba-lodge-no-confidence-motion-greens-co-leader-patrick-harvie/ . 23 April 2024 . en . 23 April 2024 . live.
  98. Web site: Humza Yousaf says he 'paid price' for upsetting Greens . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240505132319/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-68935051 . 5 May 2024 . en . 1 May 2024 . Tension between the parties had increased following the announcement that NHS Scotland was pausing prescribing puberty blockers to under-18s referred by the country's only specialist clinic, following a report by Dr Hilary Cass. Mr Yousaf said Green co-leader Patrick Harvie's response to the move - including his refusal to accept the Cass review as a valid scientific document - had "upset a lot of people" in the SNP but that it was "not necessarily" a factor in ending the Bute House Agreement. . live.
  99. Web site: Learmonth . Andrew . Harvie comments on Cass review 'upset' SNP MSPs admits Yousaf . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240501133602/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24291755.yousaf-harvie-comments-cass-review-strained-bute-house-agreement/ . 1 May 2024 . en . 1 May 2024 . live.
  100. Web site: Brooks . Libby . SNP defeats Labour confidence motion and sets out plan for choosing new leader . . 5 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20240501213306/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/may/01/snp-defeats-labours-motion-of-no-confidence-in-holyrood-humza-yousaf . 1 May 2024 . en . 1 May 2024 . live.
  101. Web site: Statement SNP have sold out future generations . 2024-04-25 . Scottish Greens . en.
  102. Web site: Meighan . Craig . 2024-04-25 . Yousaf's fate hangs on single MSP as Greens will vote to oust First Minister . 2024-04-25 . STV News . en-GB.
  103. Web site: Williams . Craig . 25 April 2024 . Scottish Greens will vote to oust first minister . BBC Scotland.
  104. Web site: Phillips . Rachael Burford, Jacob . 26 April 2024 . Humza Yousaf insists he will not quit as he faces no confidence motion . 27 April 2024 . Evening Standard . en . 26 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240426111215/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/humza-yousaf-scotland-snp-greens-vote-of-no-confidence-b1154005.html . live .
  105. News: 26 April 2024 . Humza Yousaf 'absolutely' not resigning ahead of no confidence vote . 26 April 2024 . . 26 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240426113028/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24280789.yousaf-absolutely-not-resigning-ahead-no-confidence-vote/ . live .
  106. Web site: Humza Yousaf: Scotland's first minister claims Holyrood election could be called - as vote of no confidence looms . 27 April 2024 . Sky News . en . 27 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427113348/https://news.sky.com/story/humza-yousaf-refuses-to-say-if-he-will-resign-with-alba-msp-key-to-first-ministers-fate-13123878 . live .
  107. Web site: Alex Salmond 'prepared to assist' Humza Yousaf in no confidence vote . 28 April 2024 . Sky News . en . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428162843/https://news.sky.com/video/alex-salmond-prepared-to-assist-humza-yousaf-in-no-confidence-vote-13124843 . live .
  108. Web site: 28 April 2024 . Alex Salmond sets out Alba demands ahead of Humza Yousaf talks . 28 April 2024 . BBC News . en-GB . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428120059/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgyxq90325o . live .
  109. News: Salmond sets out terms for Alba support of Yousaf . 28 April 2024 . BBC News . en-GB . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428121248/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-68915745 . live .
  110. Web site: 26 April 2024 . Humza Yousaf: Who is Scotland's under-threat first minister? . 28 April 2024 . BBC News . en-GB . 27 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427202047/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgxw490qz0ko . live .
  111. News: 27 April 2024 . Humza Yousaf rules out pact with Alex Salmond's Alba party . 28 April 2024 . BBC News . en-GB . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428003006/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68914409 . live .
  112. Humza Yousaf pact with Alex Salmond's Alba party 'is not on the table' Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh . 28 April 2024 . en . Times Radio . 28 April 2024 . YouTube . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170056/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC2ZioJAbVk . live .
  113. Web site: 28 April 2024 . Yousaf set to 'face consequences' as SNP politicians warn against deal with Salmond . 28 April 2024 . . en . 28 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240428100827/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24283718.yousaf-set-face-consequences-msps-abandon-beleaguered-fm/ . live .
  114. News: 29 April 2024 . Humza Yousaf to quit as Scotland's first minister . live . 29 April 2024 . . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429112601/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68918151 .
  115. Web site: 29 April 2024 . YHumza Yousaf quits as Scotland's first minister . 29 April 2024 . The Financial Times . en . 29 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240429111430/https://www.ft.com/content/d11e2dc1-0254-45a4-80f2-69f5fe001474 . live .
  116. Web site: Craig . Meighan . Labour no-confidence vote against Scottish Government to go ahead . STV . STV News . 30 April 2024 . 30 April 2024.
  117. Web site: Scottish government to face vote of no confidence. BBC News. 30 April 2024. 1 May 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240430235222/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6pyvr4pl9eo. 30 April 2024.
  118. Web site: Scottish Government survives Holyrood confidence vote. Andrew. Learmonth. The Herald. 1 May 2024. 1 May 2024.
  119. Web site: New SNP leader Swinney vows fresh chapter for party. Angus. Cochrane. BBC News. 6 May 2024. 6 May 2024.
  120. Web site: New First Minister nominated. Scottish Government. 7 May 2024. 7 May 2024.
  121. Web site: John Swinney sworn in as Scotland's first minister. BBC News. 8 May 2024. 8 May 2024.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bute House Agreement".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.